Jackson wants to catch a new contract

Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson, right, can’t make the catch in the end zone while being covered by New Orleans safety Rafael Bush, center, during the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game at Lincoln Financial Field. Jackson said he hopes to get his hands on a new contract. (Times Staff/ERIC HARTLINE)

PHILADELPHIA — DeSean Jackson thinks he’s outperformed his contract again, which could lead to an interesting offseason for the Eagles.

Though head coach Chip Kelly said he isn’t involved in contract issues he most certainly has final say on the roster. The Jackson situation could escalate into the first real test of that authority.

“I felt I had a great year this year, so regardless of anything, if it happens, it happens,” Jackson said Monday. “There are no guarantees. I just need some security somehow, some way, so if that’s the case, we’ll work it out. Regardless of anything, I felt like I’ve proven to be a top receiver in this league. We’ll see how it goes. You never know.”

Jackson signed a five-year contract worth $48.2 million with $15 million guaranteed less than two years ago. He earned $6.75 million in base pay this past season and the deal jumps to $10.25 million in 2014.

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The day Jackson signed that deal he defended himself and then agent Drew Rosenhaus against criticism he’d gotten a bad contract. Later he fired Rosenhaus. Now it looks like Jackson and current agent Joel Segal, who also represents Michael Vick, agree it was a bad deal.

“We have a great plan going into this offseason,” Jackson said. “I definitely feel like I’m still a top receiver in this league and I was able to do some very special things. There’s not too many wide receivers who are able to bring that to the field, besides a couple of big-time guys in this league. So I definitely feel there’s something deserving. So we’ll see how that plays out and hopefully we can work things out smoothly and not have to worry about anything out of the ordinary. I definitely feel like it’s deserving. I’m proven in this league.”

Exactly what Jackson is angling for is unclear. The rest of his deal isn’t guaranteed. Jackson’s mention of the need for “security” at least gives the impression he needs money now. There was speculation he caved and signed the last deal because he was strapped for cash.

Jackson clearly is talented and a fit for the Kelly system as he’s coming off a season in which he caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns to lead the Eagles, and rank among the NFL leaders.

Kelly, at his end-of-season presser Monday, conceded he’s aware of Jackson’s request but balked when asked if the wide receiver was deserving of a new pact.

“I don’t talk about contracts,” Kelly said. “I’m never going to have a discussion over it. I do think everybody in this room should be paid more, though.”

Jackson chose a fascinating time to ask for a raise.

The Eagles must decide what to do with unrestricted free agents Riley Cooper, who averaged 17.8 yards on 47 receptions and caught eight touchdown passes as well as Jeremy Maclin, coming off surgery for a torn ACL.

Cooper and Maclin said they’d like to remain in Philadelphia. Remember there’s only one ball to spread around to the receivers, tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz and LeSean McCoy, who led the NFL in rushing.

The Eagles also could select a big, fast receiver with the 22nd overall pick in the NFL draft.

Sammy Watkins (6-1, 205) of Clemson might not be there but Mike Evans (6-5, 225) of Texas A & M, Marqise Lee (6-0, 195) of USC, Allen Robinson (6-3, 210) of Penn State and Kelvin Benjamin (6-5, 235) of Florida State could be around.

Kelly really doesn’t need to find out what a season is like when Jackson isn’t happy. The Eagles suspended him one game in 2011 and benched him during another game. Jackson later conceded he had to do what had to be done to protect himself.

If the Eagles cannot work out a deal with Jackson they might consider shopping him. That could be part of Jackson’s plan. It wouldn’t be the first time an agent found a new place for a client.

“After this past year, went out there, no distractions and really put it all out there for my team,” Jackson said. “Went out there and have a lot of success. We’ll see how it goes.”